WITH ONE eye on the potential 'winner takes all' showdown with England, France coach Bernard Laporte has stressed the importance of his side's forthcoming RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

WITH ONE eye on the potential 'winner takes all' showdown with England, France coach Bernard Laporte has stressed the importance of his side's forthcoming RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

Les Bleus travel to Cardiff on March 7 on the back of victories over Ireland (35-17) and Italy (25-0) and Laporte knows it is crucial to they maintain their 100 per cent record.

Following the Wales game, France visit Scotland before entertaining Clive Woodward's world champions in the Stade de France on March 27, eager to exact revenge for the World Cup semi-final defeat in Australia last year.

"It is likely England will come to the Stade de France having won all their matches in the tournament," said Laporte.

"This shows the necessity for us to win over Wales. This match will be crucial.

"When we won the title and the Grand Slam in 2002, we had managed to beat Wales but it was a tight win."

Laporte is hopeful his side will enjoy a more straightforward victory following Wales' disappointing display in Sunday's 36-15 defeat to Ireland.

"They performed great matches during the World Cup but they proved weak in the forwards against Ireland," said Laporte.

"They failed to impose their game."

The French boss announced his 22-man squad on Wednesday with the return of fly-half Frederic Michalak the only change from the latest victory over Italy.

"This is almost the same group as from our matches against Ireland and Italy, and Michalak is back," team manager Jo Maso confirmed.

"We want to focus on a certain continuity within the group and it is logical that Fred came back with us.

"He is one of the key players in our squad and we are happy to have him back."

Michalak was also an inspirational goalkicker during the World Cup.

His Toulouse team-mate Jean-Baptiste Elissalde proved an able deputy against Italy, scoring nine points from a possible 12 and Laporte admits he will let the duo decide between themselves who is on kicking duty against the Welsh.

He said: "We have two excellent goalkickers.

"We have not decided yet who will do it against Wales, I will let the players decide."

Laporte and Maso will announce their team on March 3 before travelling to Cardiff the following day.